Measuring Your Blood Sugar

Gather the things you need to test your blood sugar.
This usually includes the meter, needle (lancet) and lancet holder, test
strips, and cotton balls.

Learn how to use the equipment.

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Read the information from the manufacturer and your
doctor to be sure you know how to use the blood sugar meter, lancet holder, and
test strips.

Then check the expiration date.

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Check the expiration date on your test strips. If you
use expired test strips, your test results might not be accurate.

Be sure to match the code numbers.

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Many meters don't need a code from the test strips, but some will. If your meter does, make sure the code number on the bottle of test strips
matches the number on your meter. If the numbers don't match, follow the
directions that come with your meter for changing the code
number.

Wash your hands.

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Wash your hands with warm, soapy water, and dry them
well with a clean towel.

Next, put a clean needle (lancet) in the lancet device.

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The lancet device is a pen-sized holder for the lancet.
It holds the lancet in place and controls how deeply the lancet goes into your
skin.

Get the test strip ready.

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Take one strip from the bottle of test strips. Follow
the directions to prepare your meter to receive the blood sample. Don't forget
to put the lid back on the bottle right after removing the strip.

Now it's time to prick your finger.

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Use the lancet device to prick the side of your
fingertip with the lancet.

Now test a small sample of your blood.

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Put a drop of blood on the correct spot of the test
strip, covering the test area well.

It's easy to stop the bleeding.

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If your finger continues to bleed, use a clean cotton ball to apply pressure to your
fingertip to stop the bleeding.

Don't forget to record your results.

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Wait for the results. Most meters take only a few
seconds to give you the results. Recording your blood sugar results is very
important. Your doctor will use your record to see how often your blood sugar
levels are in your target range.

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How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.